GUIDE TO MAJORS AT YESHIVA COLLEGE: JEWISH STUDIES

Choosing a major can be stressful, but it is important to understand that you can pursue almost any career regardless of which major you choose. While there are some exceptions, most entry-level positions simply require general transferable skills—those that can be learned in one setting and applied in another. Relevant experience through internships and activities is generally more important to employers than a major. It is best to choose an area that you find interesting and where you have the ability to do well.

What is the Jewish Studies Major?

Academic Jewish Studies at Yeshiva College, which combines the rigorous application of the methodology of the relevant academic disciplines with a reverence for tradition, lies at the heart of YU's mission. The Jewish Studies major should evoke interest on the part of the student who has a desire to attain a broad and sophisticated appreciation of Judaism and the Jewish people. The Jewish Studies Department includes programs in Jewish History, Bible, Hebrew, and Jewish Philosophy and Thought. Beyond the subject matter, these disciplines teach critical thinking, analytical and research skills, and mastery of challenging texts.

What can I do with a Major in Jewish Studies?

A major in Jewish Studies is excellent preparation for careers working for the Jewish community, most often in the areas of Jewish education or Jewish communal services. Jewish educational and communal professionals work in day schools, community centers, synagogues, congregational schools, federations, universities, social service agencies, and the military, among others. The Jewish Studies major also prepares students for a variety of careers in the secular community, as well as provides a foundation for graduate study. Some career areas to consider as a Jewish Studies major include:

Business • Benefits Specialist Social Service • Financial Planner • Case Worker • Human Resources Generalist • Higher Education Administrator • Mediator • Legislative Assistant • Paralegal • Nonprofit Administrator • Recruiter • Politician • Rehabilitation Worker Communications • School Administrator • Advertising Executive • School Counselor • Editor • Synagogue Administrator • Journalist • Teacher • Marketing Professional • Vocational Counselor • Public Relations Professional • Youth Group Advisor/Supervisor • Writer

Graduate Study Required • Professor • Cantor • Psychologist • Chaplain • Rabbi /Theologian • Lawyer • Social Worker • Nurse • Speech Therapist • Occupational Therapist • Physician

Skills and Abilities

Whether in academic, business, or social change careers, majors in Jewish Studies learn and apply communication, research, and critical thinking skills. They develop an understanding of several disciplines including history, philosophy, law, and literature. The following list provides a sample of the potential skills acquired through study in Jewish Studies.

Analysis • Interpreting information • Analyzing texts • Evaluating ideas and theory • Reasoning logically • Applying historical knowledge to the present

Communication • Articulating and defending positions • Describing and evaluating issues and problems • Writing concisely and analytically • Presenting thoughts, ideas, and information

Research • Reading critically • Organizing and classifying materials • Gathering, reviewing, and critiquing information • Translating text

Joint Programs

Jewish Education: BA/MS: Yeshiva College and Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration of Yeshiva University offer a joint program to qualified students. During their senior year, YC students may take up to 12 credits at Azrieli, which count toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students are awarded the BA degree after completion of all BA requirements and an MS upon completion of the graduate program.

Jewish Studies: BA/MA: Yeshiva College offers a joint program in Jewish studies with Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies of Yeshiva University. During the senior year, students may take up to 12 credits at Revel, which count toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students are awarded the BA degree after completion of all BA requirements and an MA upon completion of the graduate program.